CAF Women's Leage
Mazembe off to a flying start with impressive win over UWC
TP Mazembe’s objective of lifting the CAF Women’s Champions League got off to a great start in El Jadida after the DR Congo side overcame the University of the Western Cape 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match on Saturday.
Despite a shaky start, Mazembe held their nerve against the relentless attacks of the University side who are making their debut at the finals as COSAFA champions.
Mazembe, who return to the competition after their 2022 appearance secured victory thanks to second half goals by Lacho Marta as well as a late strike by Marveille Nanguji.
It was the South Africans who asked questions of their opponents in the opening minutes with quick attacks that were often problematic for Mazembe.
Most UWC attacks were initiated from the heart of the midfield through the experienced Amogelang Motau who’s visionary passes let through Ntombifikile Ndlovu on a number of occasions, but was let down by her accuracy.
Coming back into the second half, Mazembe came out a much-structured side who thwarted UWC’s attacks.
With momentum and confidence on their side, Mazembe found the opener with Lacho Marta’s well taken strike from close range, beating Thandeka Ngcobo after Mazembe took advantage of some questionable defending from UWC.
The goal destabilised the South Africans who lost control of the game and were duly punished in the 77thminute after a well taken cross by Marta, who turned provider to find Merveille Nanguji who sealed the three points for Mazembe with a clinical header. The result sees the DR Congo side go top of Group A ahead of the later fixture between hosts, AS FAR and Aigles de la Médina.
Miracle Usani is the sole Edo Queen player in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI, which was announced on Monday.
The Best XI selection highlights the top-performing players of the tournament. It is compiled by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), which includes football analysts, coaches, and technical advisors.
The Best XI features four players from debutants FC Masar which placed third in the final ranking.
Four players are selected from Champions TP Mazembe and two from runners-up AS FAR of Morocco.
In goal is FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry, whose acrobatic saves and commanding presence earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The central defense is solidified by Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo from FC Masar.
The full-back positions are occupied by Miracle Usani of Edo Queens on the left and Vukulu Belange of TP Mazembe on the right.
TP Mazembe’s Marline Kasaj anchors the midfield, providing exceptional support during their title run.
The attacking midfield duo features AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Nyonkuru of FC Masar, adding creativity and flair to the line-up.
The attacking trio is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Doha El Madani (ASFAR), on the right, with TP Mazembe’s Lacho Marta on the left, and Merveille Kanjinga (TP Mazembe) as the central striker.
CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI:
GOALKEEPER
- Habiba Emad Sabry (FC Masar)
DEFENDERS
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
- Shadia Nankya (FC Masar)
- Aisha Nantongo (FC Masar)
- Vukulu Belange (TP Mazembe)
MIDFIELDERS
- Marline Kasaj (TP Mazembe)
- Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
- Sandrine Nyonkuru (FC Masar)
FORWARDS
- Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
- Merville Kanjinga (TP Mazembe)
- Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe)
Edo Queens lost in the third-placed match with Egypt’s FC Masar after a penalty shoot-out. The Egyptians won 5-3 after a goalless draw.
As it happened when both teams met in the group stage, full-time scores remained 0-0. It was obvious the Edo Queens were deficient in penalty kick shooting as they had earlier lost one in their encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The technical crew probably did not reckon with penalty kick training.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s flagbearers, the Edo Queen will make their final appearance at the 2024 CAF Women’s League this Friday when they take on FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match.
A win will not only fetch them the bronze medal, but an increased financial gain from $300,000 to $350,000. By the current exchange rate, this is N589,284,600.
A chunk of this will undoubtedly improve their living standards and also fetch some of the players better offers from foreign clubs.
Already, their good run has led to some of the players emerging as nominees at next month’s CAF Awards in Morocco. Monle Oyono is nominated along with Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie as contender for the African Woman’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
So also is Emem Essien seeking to win the Women’s version of the Interclub Player of the Year Award. Their coach, Moses Adukwu is not also left out as he is nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
Edo Queens is among the eight shortlisted for the Club of the Year. A defeat of FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match will improve their honours chase.
Both teams met at the group stage and played a barren draw. A winner must emerge this Friday as both teams aim for a pdium finish.
The league title will be icing on Soname’s birthday cake on Sunday
As major global sporting events beckon, Morocco’s monarch launches the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed rail project
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